Students interested in working in the health industry were taught why inclusion was an important skill at Shepparton's GOTAFE annual health and wellbeing conference on Wednesday.
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More than 300 students filled the seats at East Bank Theatre to listen to a range of speakers talking about the opportunities and challenges faced while working in the health industry.
GOTAFE board member and Victorian Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality Ro Allen was a guest speaker at the event, which highlighted the conference's theme of diversity and inclusion.
Her address drew on the need for health workers to accept everyone and treat people equally, regardless of their sexuality, race or gender.
GOTAFE chief executive Travis Heeney said the day gave current and potential students the opportunity to learn about the industry, speak with potential employers and ask questions about suitable career pathways.
“We want to make our education accessible to everyone, whether it's people from the LGBTIQ community or from a minority like the Aboriginal community or someone with a disability,” Mr Heeney said.
“I think having Ro here today is symbolic of that.
“Ro is appointed by the state government to essentially influence state government policy and then operationalise that.
"Ro will do roadshows across the state to assist people to understand the complexities for people who are from the LGBTIQ community.”
Throughout the day students were involved in a range of games and raffles, with all proceeds donated to Goulburn Valley Pride.